Chelsea's Defensive Crisis

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's head coach, has made it clear to the club's hierarchy that he believes signing a new central defender is essential following the injury to Levi Colwill. The 22-year-old England international recently underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which is expected to sideline him for the majority of the season.

Colwill's Impact

Colwill was a cornerstone of Chelsea's defense last season, starting in 35 out of 38 Premier League matches. His contributions were pivotal in Chelsea securing a spot in the Champions League. Additionally, Colwill played a significant role as a substitute in the Conference League final and during the Club World Cup, helping the Blues clinch their first two major trophies under the current ownership.

Maresca's Tactical Concerns

Maresca emphasized Colwill's importance in the team's tactical setup, particularly in build-up play from the back. "When we build, we build with Levi in the middle," Maresca stated. "Last year we played 64 games and we played all 64 games with either Levi or Tosin [Adarabioyo] in the middle. Now Levi is out. The only other one that can do that job well is Tosin."

Internal Solutions and Injury Woes

While Chelsea is exploring internal solutions, Maresca remains skeptical. "The rest, they can adapt," he said, referencing new signings like Jorrel Hato, who lacks experience in the central role. Additionally, injuries to other defenders like Wes Fofana and Benoit Badiashile further complicate the situation.

Pre-Season Trials

During a brief pre-season, Chelsea experimented with Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah in Colwill's role, achieving mixed results in matches against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.

Transfer Window Focus

Chelsea is reportedly interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is also a target for Liverpool. However, the club is currently prioritizing strengthening their attacking options, with ongoing talks involving Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons.

Conclusion

As the transfer window nears its close, Chelsea faces a critical decision: whether to invest in a new central defender or rely on internal solutions to navigate the upcoming season without Colwill. Maresca's preference is clear, but the club's final decision remains to be seen.